Romsey gave a little reminder that it will again be a team to watch in the Riddell District Football League, smashing Diggers Rest in last weekend’s grand final rematch.
It was a game reminiscent of many of last season’s for the Redbacks, who went through undefeated.
The Burras were put under all sorts of pressure as the Redbacks’ defence and midfield strangled their scoring opportunities.
At the other end, the Redbacks’ class and cleanness gave the forwards copious opportunities, with numerous uncontested marks in the forward 50.
While the scoreboard showed a 15.12 (102) – 12.7 (79) result, wasteful kicking in the final quarter from the Redbacks and late goals flattered the Burras.
Redbacks coach Dean Helmers didn’t know what to expect going into the game.
“We weren’t sure how we’d go this year with a completely different list,” he said.
“I still expect we’ll hit our straps in round eight or nine but, to the boys’ credit, they’re firing even quicker.
“I was really pleased with the pressure in the midfield and we put them under a lot of pressure.
“They couldn’t get clean disposal on the outside and it’s something we are working really hard on.
“I look at the scoreboard and I don’t think it printed the picture of the dominance of the game; we were in a different class, to be honest.”
Cam Dawson, Phil Lobb and captain Steve Burlak all missed the win. Burlak and Lobb should return this week.
Burras coach Shaun Sims said it was a very ordinary performance by his side.
“When the game was on the line, Romsey played better,” he said.
“We started well but made a lot of errors in the first quarter, which really hurt us. Every big moment we weren’t up to it.”
Despite finishing the game with no one on the bench, Sims said that wasn’t an excuse.
Leg injuries to Craig Harvey and Brent Tuckey will likely have them on the sidelines for several weeks.
Lenny Clarke, who didn’t play on Saturday, won’t return until the season’s second half.
The Burras are 2-2 after playing the other four teams that finished in the top five last season.
“You judge yourself against how you perform against the top six sides,” Sims said.
“I would have been happy with 3-1.
“I thought we missed a golden opportunity against Sunbury, who were injury-riddled.
‘We played similar today, when we allowed them to play better football.”
For more pictures from the weekend’s clash go to www.sunbury.starweekly.com.au.
